(success)1 month into DIY VLCD

[SusanPrescott]

Hi to all,
So I've been on a VLCD (very low calorie diet) for about a month now. I have lost about 30 pounds so far. I've been eating anywhere from 400-800 calories per day.

My starting weight was ~280 pounds
my starting resting heart rate was about 105bpm (horrible)
I took my heart rate for the first time since starting last night and this morning, it's now ~69bpm (HUGE improvement)

I also need to check my blood pressure, but I feel like it's definitely lower now. I was prescribed blood pressure medicine a couple years ago when I went for a checkup, my blood pressure was ranging around 170/105 (really really bad) And I could feel it too. Now I feel much better, when relaxing my body actually feels relaxed, not "pumped up" like I would feel like my bodies blood and just my body in general was pressurized or something, I really don't know how to describe.

My goal weight is about ~160

 

[San2]

One month into a low calorie diet is not a success, sorry. For one thing, you're starving, so of course you would lose weight, and much of the 30 lbs are most likely water weight anyway. VLCDs are extremely unhealthy, and nothing that will work for a long term weight loss. Are you going to keep eating like that for the rest of your life? Because otherwise, as soon as you start eating normally, you will pile the weight back on. And you are rather likely to miss key nutrients, which will result in health problems further down the line. If I were you, I would think about this whole idea again, and maybe stop looking at fast weight loss, and turn towards something that is healthy and sustainable. Also, with a VLCD like this, you will most likely hit a plateau rather quickly. As for your heart rate - 100 bpm is not 'horrible', and 69 is not a huge improvement. Unless you achieved that lowered heart rate by actually improving your overall fitness level and your cardiovascular system, the reason why it has dropped is because your blood pressure is low due to not eating enough. Another thing that's unhealthy.

 

[San2]

For starters, it was some improvements with no regards to whether you keep it off or not. Some people want to lose weight desperately and just can't lose the weight. Although I don't quite advise you to lose weight through dieting though. There are some alternative ways to lose weight without dieting such as exercises or something...

Great work though!

There are ways of losing weight that does not require keeping the calories that you consume lower than the calories that you burn? (also known as 'dieting' in connection with weight loss) Really? Please clue me in. I would just love to see this.

 

[Omega]

Copying the first part of the link posted by Ethan Chong

1. Automate your eating by planning your meals ahead of time. That way you're less likely to make an unhealthy last-minute food choice.
2. Oats are your friends! Eating a cup of oatmeal in the morning will prevent you from gorging in the afternoon.
3. Foods with healthy fats such as olives, salmon and walnuts help you feel satisfied.
   
4. Skipping meals can cause your body to go into a fat-storing starvation mode, making it harder to burn calories.
5. Got nuts with nuts. Eating a handful of nuts will help you stay full. Try soaking them in water for a different texture.
6. Use meditation to help you cope with chronic stress, which can lead you to crave feel-good carbs.
7. You may be used to fried foods but there are other, sometimes healthier, ways to cook including: roasting, steaming, poaching, baking, braising and broiling.
8. Do your grocery shopping with a list and a time limit; that way, you're less likely to stray into the processed foods section.
9. Don't confuse thirst with hunger. Drink a glass of water when you feel hungry to see if that's what you're really craving.
10. When out at a restaurant, ask the server to hold the bread, snack mix or chips and salsa that might come before the meal. If you're hungry, you'll be tempted.
11. Tired of eating your salad on a plate? Fill a whole wheat pita with salad and a splash of lemon for a twist.
12. You might do better to replace an occasional dinner with a nice roll in the hay. Healthy sex may help control the amount of food you eat and it's great exercise.
13. Create emergency packs filled with healthy foods such as nuts, fruits or sliced vegetables to help you avoid unhealthy temptations.
14. Add red pepper flakes to your pantry. When eaten early in the day, red pepper lowers the amount of food you'll eat later.
15. Odds are you're eating too fast. Try holding a conversation while having a meal so you're not gulping down more than you need to feel full.
16. Take a brisk walk before lunch or dinner. Not only will you get in some exercise, you're less likely to choose something unhealthy after a little movement.
17. Looking for the benefits of salmon but you don't feel comfortable cooking fish? Try canned salmon as a simple and affordable alternative.
18. Are your dishes too big? A healthy dinner should fit on a 9-inch plate. You may find that kid-sized plates are more appropriately sized to feed an adult!
19. Never eat any snack food out of the box, carton or bag it came in. You're less likely to overeat if you separate snacks into appropriate fist-sized servings.
20. Boost your metabolism with some green tea or chili peppers.
21. Get your Zzzzzs. Sleep deprivation alters levels of hormones in the body that regulate hunger, causing an increase in appetite.
22. Muscle burns at least four times as many calories as fat does, so try twenty minutes of strength straining two to three times a week.
23. Decaf coffee is a great low-calorie fluid when you're having cravings (and a great source of antioxidants).
24. Eating liquid-based foods such as natural smoothies and low-sodium soup can help you cut back on calories yet feel full.
25. A pedometer can help keep track of your steps. If you're not getting 10,000 steps a day, you're not moving enough.
26. Natural applesauce is an excellent dip for fruits such as bananas and melons.
27. Take every opportunity to move around, even in small ways. Studies show fidgety people tend to be skinnier.
28. Identify the emotional triggers that lead you to seek unhealthy comfort food. Picture your goal weight the next time a trigger strikes to help you resist temptation.
29. Use a vegetable bean dip such as hummus instead of ranch dressing or a fatty cream-based dip.
30. People who regularly weigh themselves and keep track of their progress in a journal are more likely to lose weight.
31. Use a dash of cinnamon to give fruits such as bananas and melons a richer dessert feel without the sugar.
32. Give your protein extra low-calorie flavor by adding a salsa or chutney instead of a gooey cream sauce.
33. Distracted dining will get you in trouble. Avoid eating in front of a television or in a movie theater, as you're bound to consume more calories.
34. Pass on pop. You'll be amazed by how much weight you drop by simply switching to water.
35. Beware of "fat-free" or "zero trans fats" foods as you could be trading fats for huge amounts of sugar or sodium.
36. Try drinking skim milk at breakfast instead of juice. Overweight people who drank skim milk for breakfast ate fewer calories
37. Sugarless chewing gum can suppress your appetite in a pinch.
38. Snack attack! Puree peaches, berries or pears for a sweet spread to go on pita chips.
39. If you're having trouble getting started, make a small move such as starting an eating log or buying walking shoes. You're three times more likely to follow through if you start with small gestures such as these.
40. Always have vegetables on hand. Saute a big bag of frozen mixed vegetables in olive oil and garlic. Add some red pepper or turmeric for additional flavor and separate into portion-sized containers for the fridge.
41. Edamame (soy beans) are a great low-cost snack. Look for them in the frozen foods section.
42. Soups can be both filling and comforting. Try making a garden or bean soup with low-salt broth and store in portion-sized cups for later.
43. Save time and money during the week by buying lean protein such as chicken breasts in bulk and cooking a week's worth on Sunday night.
44. Save the kitchen and the dining room table for cooking and eating. Try not to use it as a place to do work or other activities, or you may be tempted to eat more.
45. If food was your only source of pleasure, make sure to reconnect with other things you enjoy -- music, sports, volunteer work or movies, for example.
46. Try to have a little lean protein with each meal, as protein tends to be more satisfying than carbs or fats.
47. Think ahead to how you'll eat and exercise on the weekends. It's easy to get too relaxed on Saturdays and Sundays, but healthy living is a 7-day-a-week endeavor.
48. Dump the junk food. If you want to avoid temptation, make sure you clean out the fridge and the pantry
49. When you eat calorie-friendly fruits and vegetables that are in season, they tend to taste better and you're more likely to enjoy them.
50. People who eat breakfast have a better shot at losing and maintaining weight loss.

 

[Omega]

copying the second part of the list...

1. Replace your scale with a tape measure. Aim for 32 1/2 inches or less for women and 35 inches or less for men.
2. Make sure you check food labels and avoid anything with more than 4 grams of sugar, especially high-fructose corn syrup, per serving.
3. Eat a fiber-filled apple before a meal to help you feel full faster.
4. Opt for peanut butter or almond butter spreads instead of cream cheese or butter.
5. Remember these five essential smoothie ingredients: frozen berries, a banana, skim milk, a teaspoon of honey and a teaspoon of psyllium seed husks.
6. Researchers found that dieters who ate eggs in the morning were less hungry than those who ate carb-heavy meals.
7. The omega-3 fatty acids in salmon may dial up your body's ability to burn fat, especially if you add some exercise.
8. A Mediterranean diet not only comes with heart benefits, studies show it leads to more weight loss than low-fat diets.
9. Replace your regular pasta noodles with whole wheat pasta for a more filling meal.
10. When eating out, ask your server to point out the healthiest options on the menu.
11. You don't have to make a three-digit number your weight loss goal. Aim for a certain dress size or waist measurement.
12. Go lean with bean protein. Beans are an affordable and healthy alternative to meats and are wonderfully filling.
13. Energize plain-tasting proteins such as eggs or chicken with metabolism-boosting chili pepper sauce.
14. Try a plain Greek yogurt with frozen berries for a pre-workout boost.
15. Turn dinner into a healthy lunch the next day by wrapping your lean leftovers in a whole wheat wrap. Add a little Dijon mustard or curry powder for added flavor.
16. Eat a rainbow of colors. Have at least one brightly colored fruit or vegetable in each meal, and, if appropriate, eat the skins -- that's where you'll find a powerhouse of antioxidants.
17. Make an office snack box of your own so you're not tempted by your colleague's candy bowl. Fill it with small individually packaged portions of soy chips, almonds and dried fruit.
18. For a thicker, creamier texture, choose low-fat, unsweetened Greek yogurt. Loaded with protein, calcium and natural probiotics, it makes for a tasty snack any time.
19. If you're 'cooking' food in the microwave, chances are you're eating unhealthy packaged foods. If you must microwave, consider soy chicken patties, veggie burgers or steamer vegetables and brown rice.
20. Make your wardrobe match your goals. As you lose weight donate the clothes that no longer fit you as an incentive to stay on track.
21. Pick up a 5- or 10-pound weight at the gym and visualize that weight coming off. Holding the weight in your hands helps bring home just how heavy even 5 pounds of extra fat can be.
22. If you find yourself at a weight loss plateau, up the duration of your exercise routine by five minutes.
23. Pounding out your meat will help healthier portions go a longer way visually, and it's good stress relief.
24. Silken tofu makes a wonderful replacement for cream in some recipes.
25. Save 85 calories just by swapping mustard for mayonnaise in a sandwich.
26. Do your best to ensure you're not eating after 7 o'clock at night. You're more likely to make unhealthy choices and less likely to sleep as well after a late meal.
27. Try a pasta-less spaghetti by mixing shredded zucchini, veggie meatballs and raw tomato sauce seasoned with a dash of zesty oregano.
28. Fresh herbs can really zing up a healthy meal. Try growing some in the kitchen using a strawberry pot. Preserve the flavor by adding fresh herbs at the end of the cooking process
29. Fast food is salty food. If you cut back on the salt, in a few weeks you'll be able to better taste the natural salts in food and may not crave the junk as much as you used to.
30. The rub on ground turkey is that it's dry. Add some olive oil and finely blended onions to a turkey burger or turkey meatball to enhance its juiciness.
31. If you're trying to lose weight with your significant other, pack each other's lunches. The lunchbox surprises will keep the both of you motivated.
32. If you're eating out, make salad the appetizer. Most starters are fried and come with unhealthy dips or sauces.
33. Savory 'umami' ingredients such as mushrooms, low-sodium soy, asparagus and olives can help you feel full and add an earthy, home-y quality to your healthy-dishes.
34. Make it a point to use the steps whenever possible. Use the bathroom on a different floor at work, take the stairs at the bus station, the airport or the mall.
35. Try baking apple slices as a healthy alternative to potato chips.
36. Eating water-rich foods such as melons, tomatoes and celery can help fill you up without adding too many calories to your day.
37. Avocados can be your secret weight loss partners. They're high in fiber and healthy fats, giving you a meaty-tasting meat alternative.
38. A handful of unsalted pumpkin seeds make for a healthy mid-day snack. They're rich in magnesium, which helps lower blood pressure.
39. Keeping good posture will not only strengthen your core, but will also add a small extra-calorie burn, because you're working slightly harder to maintain the position.
40. Cravings can sneak up on you when you're tired. Try taking a nap if you feel yourself wanting some junk food.
41. Share your weight loss goals with your friends and family. Make it a positive life change and ask for their encouragement.
42. Take a photo of yourself each week so you can see your physical transformation.
43. Store-bought salad dressings can be packed with calories. Make your own vinaigrette and store it in a small spray bottle to coat your greens without over-dressing them.
44. Yoga may be relaxing but you can also get a good workout. An hour of yoga can burn up to 350 calories.
45. Get familiar with quinoa -- a wonderful grain that's easy to cook and goes great with sauteed vegetables or mushrooms.
46. Ditch the mayo, cheese and top bun if you want to scrape off 250 calories from a restaurant sandwich.
47. Resistance bands are a comfortable and affordable at-home exercise option for strength straining.
48. Use the freezer to add some extra oomph to summer foods. Freeze grapes for some bite-sized delights. Or get a popsicle mold and freeze some Greek yogurt with berries.
49. Wrap up any extra food you've cooked before you sit down to a meal so you're not tempted to get seconds.
50. Take a 30-second break in the middle of your meal. Evaluate just how hungry you still are before getting back to your food.

 

[Omega]

Well - I've looked at the list that Ethan Chong wanted to link.

I cannot say that I agree with them all.

Almost all of them boil down to food control and finding ways of restricting calories... I've coloured them green.

Some relate to exercise. I've coloured them red.

I've left some black. Generally - whilst they might relate to motivation - in themselves they are not really going to make you any thinner without applying some food control or exercise...

Some of them contradict each other...

Skipping meals can cause your body to go into a fat-storing starvation mode, making it harder to burn calories.

doesnt really agree with

You might do better to replace an occasional dinner with a nice roll in the hay. Healthy sex may help control the amount of food you eat and it's great exercise.

I have to say that some sound like absolute nonsense to me...

If you're trying to lose weight with your significant other, pack each other's lunches. The lunchbox surprises will keep the both of you motivated.

falls into that category...

How many significant others would innocently pop in granola bars and the like that look healthy but are often packed with calories? In my opinion we need to take ownership of the responsibility for the food that we put into our own mouths... We need to educate ourselves on whether we should or shouldn't eat things...

 

[San2]

Omega pretty much summed it up.

The black ones are just for motivation, they will not make you lose weight as such.

Also.....Dr. oz, really? Somebody who will jump on every diet fad available if it makes him a bit of money? Please!!

Bottom line - losing weight is calories in vs. calories out, no more, no less. That's the basis, and if you don't get that sorted, you can do all the yoga you want, and share your weight loss goals all you want, it's simply not going to happen.

And listening to somebody who doesn't give a damn about anything than his wallet, and who still believes in the old 'don't eat after 7 pm' myth, is certainly not going to get you anywhere.